Louis Andriessen, arguably the most important Dutch composer of the past few centuries, completed his magnum opus De Materie in 1988. Some critics called it ‘a philosophical opera’, while others described it as ‘a theatrical ultra-symphony’. They do, however, agree that De Materie is unquestionably a contemporary masterpiece. Echoes of Igor Stravinsky, Johann Sebastian Bach and Steve Reich resonate in heart-stopping percussion, infectious boogie-woogie fugues and mesmerising minimalism. The text transports us to the early modern era – a period of shipbuilding and rebellion against the Spanish –, to the 13th century for a marvellous vision of Hadewijch, and to the 20th century of Mondrian and Marie Curie. In each of the four parts, the material world is transformed through its interaction with the human spirit. Internationally acclaimed director Phia Ménard and choreographers Antonio De Rosa and Mattia Russo (KOR’SIA) extend this theme into a total experience in which sets, dance and music are in constant motion.

Katrien Baerts featured in

De Materie